Chocolate Covered Cherries

Ingredients:
2½ cups sugar
¼ cup margarine
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon almond extract
4 (4 ounce) jars maraschino cherries with stems, drained
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

Preparation:
In medium bowl, combine sugar, margarine, milk, and almond extract; stir. On lightly floured surface, knead mixture into large ball. Roll into 1-inch balls. Flatten balls into 2-inch circles. Leaving stems sticking out, wrap cherries in circles by lightly rolling in hands. Place wrapped cherries on sheet of waxed paper and chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt chocolate chips and shortening. Holding balls by stems of cherries sticking out, dip chilled balls into chocolate mixture. Chill in refrigerator.

This recipe was published in 'Everyday chocolate 120 Tasty Recipes - p14'.